How good is the display on the new iMac 20?

[mrmjd]

Okay, I was really keen on buying a new iMac 20 upon their release. But now I've been slightly put off by the inferior screen used in the 20 inch version, and the indifferent reviews of its display.

How good/bad is it compared to other TN Panel monitors and the previous generation of iMacs, as they are clearly inferior?

I was reluctant to get a 24 inch just because they are so big and the missus is unhappy me getting a computer that big, but I am beginning to think I'm going to have to. I also need to do quite a bit of web graphic work, but can't afford a Mac Pro with a Cinema display and need a meatier machine than the Mac Mini or Mac Book (Mac Book Pro also too expensive with a cinema display) - iMac seemed a logical choice....really don't fancy having to get another PC....Thought those days were behind me.

Also, do the vertical dimensions of the iMacs include the bottom of the stand, or just the display itself? Just incase I have to go for the 24 incher?

Many thanks guys for your anticipated help.

 

[mrmjd]

Think I may actually try and but a refurbished iMac....If the screens are better.

 

[teerexx52]

Okay, I was really keen on buying a new iMac 20 upon their release. But now I've been slightly put off by the inferior screen used in the 20 inch version, and the indifferent reviews of its display.

How good/bad is it compared to other TN Panel monitors and the previous generation of iMacs, as they are clearly inferior?

I was reluctant to get a 24 inch just because they are so big and the missus is unhappy me getting a computer that big, but I am beginning to think I'm going to have to. I also need to do quite a bit of web graphic work, but can't afford a Mac Pro with a Cinema display and need a meatier machine than the Mac Mini or Mac Book (Mac Book Pro also too expensive with a cinema display) - iMac seemed a logical choice....really don't fancy having to get another PC....Thought those days were behind me.

Also, do the vertical dimensions of the iMacs include the bottom of the stand, or just the display itself? Just incase I have to go for the 24 incher?

Many thanks guys for your anticipated help.

I purchased a base model imac 20". I think the screen is great. I have no problems with it. I've read the posts that speak of the viewing angle problems but I basically work straight on so not a factor.

 

[rogersmj]

I bought a new 20 and compared it side-by-side to my previous-gen 20...and I like the new one better. It's brighter and more vibrant than the old one. The viewing angles do suffer slightly, but I don't usually see people working at their computer unless they're actually looking at it more or less head-on so I don't consider that a big problem. Unless you're working in an environment where there's an insanely bright fluorescent light right behind your head (which would cause bad reflections), I'd say get the new iMac. I'm glad I did, even though it was a very minor upgrade from my white Core 2 Duo one.

I've got side-by-side pictures up here, although it's hard to see the difference between the screens in the pictures. It's stunning in person.

 

[teerexx52]

I bought a new 20 and compared it side-by-side to my previous-gen 20...and I like the new one better. It's brighter and more vibrant than the old one. The viewing angles do suffer slightly, but I don't usually see people working at their computer unless they're actually looking at it more or less head-on so I don't consider that a big problem. Unless you're working in an environment where there's an insanely bright fluorescent light right behind your head (which would cause bad reflections), I'd say get the new iMac. I'm glad I did, even though it was a very minor upgrade from my white Core 2 Duo one.

I've got side-by-side pictures up here, although it's hard to see the difference between the screens in the pictures. It's stunning in person.

Nice pictures and thanks. I agree, screen looks nice

 

[aliquis-]

I would guess it's like all TN-panels. Most people think they are nice I guess, since probably over 90% of all TFT-monitors uses them.

But some of us know better and knows there are alternatives and are willing to pay for better image quality.

I can't understand this talk about how the girl thinks whatever is to large, they like them big doesn't they? Uhm, wrong topic. Sounds like a bad reason anyway, just get it ;D

24" is the panels diagonal of course, not the whole computer with stand and all ;D

Sure 24" is large, but uhm, put it in the bedroom and you don't need a bedroom TV! (add usb tv-card)

 

[DemNoir]

The 20" is a very good TN panel. It has the limitations of that type of panel but the display is still very good. Unless one needs precise calibration for pro quality photo work theres nothing to worry about.

The default display profile is very bright and a bit washed out. The Adobe or sRGB profiles look better to me.

 

[urbanskywalker]

eI always find the imacs default colour profile washed out. Personally I prefer a gamma setting closer to a PC, but it's all a matter of preference. I think people over react to internet FUD sometimes and just keep passing on the same info they heard somewhere else. TN screens are getting better all the time, and there are now new TN panels that are true 8 bit not just 6 bit plus dithering. I should not I lost about a week of my life researching it

 

[cayzi]

TN panels that are true 8 bit not just 6 bit plus dithering. I should not I lost about a week of my life researching it

Sorry to disapoint you but panel in 20" still uses 6bit.

 

[Alloye]

I've previously owned a 20" iMac G4 and a 20" iMac Core Duo. I like the display on new one best of all. While I know TN panels are inferior on paper, I'm not so sure they don't have certain advantages in practice.

One thing I'd like to point out is that I never really enjoyed watching DVDs on the Core Duo because I always thought they looked a little fuzzy and flat compared to my HDTV. Not so on the new iMac. My jaw almost hit the floor last night when I saw how much eye-popping color and fine detail the new display could render. Watching movies in the office might now become an addiction rather than an occasional pastime.

 

[unlokia]

Sorry to disapoint you but panel in 20" still uses 6bit.

And I, am sorry to disappoint *you*, but you are probably wrong - the LG-Philips spec sheet, CLEARLY says "8 bit" not "6 bit + dithering".

The Apple iMac site, also reinforces this fact. However, if you can PROVE us wrong, I'd be interested. Thanks.

Oh and PS: who cares - we have lives, RIGHT?!.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I just got a 2.4 20 inch model today, and I love the screen. It is wonderful.

 

[unlokia]

So, the 20" screen is "inferior" huh?. How many people, sit at their iMac, looking at it FROM ABOVE, HUH?!. Not many, I can tell you.

FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD FUD...

Stop stirring up fear and nitpicking tendancies - this just AIN'T RIGHT!. Tell someone there is a "fault" with something, and you will have raised their awareness to non-issues, so that they are LOOKING for them. I've used the 20", and unless you are a "pro" (in which case, you'd not BUY an iMac, and you really should know better) there is NO REASON NOT TO BUY!.

Oh... did I mention, *FUD* (AKA fearmongering/****stirring etc)

 

[darkanddivine]

I went down to an Apple store today to see for myself the issues with the screen etc, and to pick up a copy of iLife 08. The thing that struck me on the 2 banks of iMacs was that something was a bit off on the 20" monitors.

I do design, and so I tried pulling the flat boxes of colour across the screen, and on the 24" it was perfect. on the 20, it wasn't bad but the bottom 8th of the screen where the dock is etc seemed to be lighter than the rest of it. This was on all the screens. The glossy thing wasn't so much of an issue as people have been saying, and especially for movies/photos they look great.

 

[suneohair]

Viewing angles are an issue regardless of whether or not you look at the screen dead on. The problem is that a slight movement can cause the color to shift. That shift is much more apparent on a TN panel.

On my MVA panel, if I decide to sit a little higher, my colors stay the same. If I decide to move down to write and look up at my colors, my colors stay the same. If I am collaborating with someone and am off to the side. My colors stay the same.

This is not the case on a TN. It is not FUD, it is reality and a valid concern for some. I think most of us understand some people don't care. But calling the new display "great" is not going to educate anyone on why the iMac may or may nor be good for them.

Lets try to be a bit more objective here and give people the facts so they can make an informed decision.

 

[theman]

a little bit off topic, but what type of panel does the 24" use? it's not a TN is it?

 

[unlokia]

Viewing angles are an issue regardless of whether or not you look at the screen dead on. The problem is that a slight movement can cause the color to shift. That shift is much more apparent on a TN panel.

On my MVA panel, if I decide to sit a little higher, my colors stay the same. If I decide to move down to write and look up at my colors, my colors stay the same. If I am collaborating with someone and am off to the side. My colors stay the same.

This is not the case on a TN. It is not FUD, it is reality and a valid concern for some. I think most of us understand some people don't care. But calling the new display "great" is not going to educate anyone on why the iMac may or may nor be good for them.

Lets try to be a bit more objective here and give people the facts so they can make an informed decision.

The 20" iMac, to all intents and purposes, can be considered as a *consumer* Mac, and NOT a Pro product; doesn't take any kind of working out. They produce the lower end, "entry level" iMac, for the home user (IE; affordable and still high quality) These are obviously not designed for you Pros, so don't expect Pro specs. The 24", I'd consider as "Pro" grade. Simple really.